title: [Conducting disaster assistance drills for patients who receive a home ventilator care].
abstract: Individual assistance plan in the event of disaster has been formulated for neurodegenerative disease patients who wear a ventilator. This study was conducted for evacuation drills by simulating an actual disaster. Disaster assistance drills were conducted with the participation of relevant parties like home care service providers and local community association; the drills were sought to make sure that patients could be transported safely. Problems and issues encountered in the drills were resolved by assistance plans for individuals who need assistance. Under the direction of visiting nurses, the drills were involved in removing the patient from the ventilator, transferring the patient from his or her bed to a reclining wheelchair, and transporting the patient to a nearby evacuation area. Two individuals were needed to move the wheelchair safely, one was needed to observe the patient's status and provide respiratory care, and the other one was to carry a portable aspirator, so a minimum of four individuals was needed. These drills revealed four things: (1) the patient should be registered with the local municipality as an individual who needs assistance in the event of a disaster, (2) patients should routinely interact with neighbors, (3) home care service providers should periodically assist patients in leaving the home, and (4) visiting nurses' stations should play a leading role in disaster assistance for patients on medical equipment.
authors.affiliation: Disease Prevention Section, Hiratsuka Public Health and Welfare Center.
authors.forename: Harumi
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Hatanaka
authors.forename: Sotomi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Miki
authors.forename: Naoki
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Yuasa
authors.forename: Katsunori
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Akiyama
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D004189:Disaster Planning; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010348:Patient Care Team; D016544:Patient Simulation; D012122:Ventilators, Mechanical